Tribute to Mark Olson

Our Partner and dear friend, Mark Olson, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021.

Mark’s legacy as a distinguished CPA & advisor, was accompanied by his optimistic, easy-going demeanor and entertaining sense of humor. He was admired by his clients, and developed countless friendships through his 30+ years of work at Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP (CDS). Mark joined CDS in 1985 when it was founded and was admitted as partner in 1986.

Mark had a reputation as an elite tax practitioner, and was instrumental in the early development and success of our Benson office, with his expertise in formulating farm debt restructurings, and his ability to gain the trust and confidence of many farmers and bankers going through this tumultuous process. He was a leader in our firm’s income tax practice area, and also developed an advanced level of estate taxation & estate planning expertise.

Mark graduated from Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, from the Accounting program. He received his CPA certification in 1985 from the Minnesota Board of Accountancy and in 2007 earned the professional designation of Certified Specialist in Estate Planning® (CSEP®) certification. Mark was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). Mark practiced in a variety of accounting and tax areas, but specialized in agribusiness, tax planning and preparation, estates and trusts, business consulting, and succession planning.

We are thankful for the privilege to have had Mark as part of our CDS team, and for his dedication to our clients, firm and profession.